The Mayo Clinic is internationally renowned for its cutting-edge medical research that has helped propel Minnesota to the forefront of innovation and discovery; Mayo has also created unique workforce training partnerships in the Rochester area to help match students’ skills with good jobs
Klobuchar releases new report showing the U.S. will need roughly 1 million more STEM workers over the next decade than are being trained at current rates; she recently introduced bipartisan Innovate America Act to fund 100 new STEM high schools and support scientific research
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today announced that Dr. John H. Noseworthy, President and CEO of the Mayo Clinic, will attend President Obama’s State of the Union Address as her guest. The Mayo Clinic is internationally renowned for its cutting-edge medical research that has helped propel Minnesota to the forefront of innovation and discovery. Mayo has also created unique workforce training partnerships in the Rochester area to help match students’ skills with good jobs. Klobuchar, Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, today released a new report showing that employment in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is projected to expand faster than in non-STEM fields, with the U.S. expected to need roughly one million more STEM professionals over the next decade than are being training at the current rate. Klobuchar also recently introduced the bipartisan Innovate America Act with Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) that would fund 100 new STEM high schools and support scientific research.
“From cutting-edge research to creative workforce training partnerships, Mayo embodies the innovative spirit that defines Minnesota and that helps drive our economy forward,” said Klobuchar. “Dr. Noseworthy’s attendance at the State of the Union will shine a spotlight on the pioneering work being done at Mayo and underscore the need to invest in innovation and research, STEM education, and workforce training.”
“We appreciate the kind invitation and would like to thank Senator Klobuchar for her generosity and leadership,” said Dr. Noseworthy. “For 150 years, Mayo Clinic has been committed to putting the needs of our patients first, and we will continue our work with legislators and regulators to share our ideas and promote the interests of patients, research and medical education.”
According to Klobuchar’s JEC report, there are now roughly two online job openings for every one unemployed STEM worker. This strong demand is reflected in higher wages, as salaries for most STEM workers continue to grow faster than for most non-STEM workers. This trend holds true across different educational levels: Sixty-six percent of STEM workers with an associate degree earn more than the average worker at that education level, while 75 percent of STEM workers with only a high school degree earn more than the average worker at that education level. But despite higher wages and positive job growth, too few Americans have the necessary experience and training to enter the STEM workforce. Klobuchar’s report points to the growing need for stronger workforce training initiatives, as well as educational programs that give students and displaced workers the skills they need to compete. The report also emphasizes importance of STEM education in high schools and elementary schools.
As Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee and a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Klobuchar has been a leader in efforts to help spur innovation and economic growth. Klobuchar recently partnered with Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) to introduce the bipartisan Innovate America Act that would fund 100 new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) schools, support promising scientific research, and cut red tape for businesses to help America retain its competitive edge.
The President will deliver the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m EST/8:00 p.m. CST.
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